Morocco’s couterterrorism strategy seems to serve as ‘a practical model’ to fight violent extremism in the Sahel, according to a report released by The Inter-University Center on Terrorism Studies (IUCTS) and the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies.

“During 2016, Morocco continued to improve its counterterrorism capabilities, as demonstrated by multiple arrests of suspected terrorists, seizing weapons, and aborting violent plots,” it pointed out.

The eighth annual report, “Terrorism in North Africa and the Sahel in 2016,” noted that the artificial conflict over the Moroccan Sahara provides openings for extremists to exploit and impede security and economic cooperation, stressing the need to settle the Sahara issue as soon as possible.

“During 2016, Morocco continued to improve its counterterrorism capabilities, as demonstrated by multiple arrests of suspected terrorists, seizing weapons, and aborting violent plots,” it added.

According to the report, the most affected countries by terror attacks in 2016 were Libya, Mali, Tunisia and Algeria.

To address regional threats, the report recommends to support Muslim leaders in promoting the practice of a moderate Islam, as well as counter-radicalization programs that limit the appeal of extremist recruiters.

MAP 15 April 2017

Ministry of Culture and Communication
-- Department of Communication --